Abstract
A major source of noise in New Industrialised Countries (NIC) is transportation. The influence of this source of noise on the lives of the community is highlighted from results of surveys in NIC. Pressure from the media, especially the press, has a bearing on the need to frame legislation, and it may be argued that this has had an effect in accelerating the framing of anti-pollution laws. A distressing feature in schools is the intolerable noise levels which are well above accepted criteria. The improvement of the quality of the environment must emanate from the legislators, environmentalists, vehicle designers and town planners. However, constant vigilance from the community is also required.